How To Research Buying A New Car May 2026

Obtain a financing offer from a bank or credit union before visiting a dealer. This gives you a baseline interest rate to compare against dealership offers. Edmunds: New Cars, Used Cars, Car Reviews and Pricing

Aim to keep your monthly new car payment under 15% of your monthly take-home pay . how to research buying a new car

Effective research for a new car involves a three-pronged approach: setting a strict financial foundation, narrowing options based on objective data, and conducting strategic in-person evaluations. Experts from Consumer Reports and Kelley Blue Book (KBB) emphasize that the most critical work happens before you ever visit a dealership. 1. Financial Groundwork Obtain a financing offer from a bank or

Total vehicle expenses—including insurance, fuel, and maintenance—should ideally stay below 20% of your net monthly income . narrowing options based on objective data